Candida Antigen (Serum) – Quantitative
This test measures the presence of fungal antigens from *Candida* species in your blood, often used to diagnose or monitor infections caused by yeast like *Candida albicans*.
["Detects fungal infections that may require urgent medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34583-5
- Short code
- CANDG
- Synonyms
- Candida IgG Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86645
- SNOMED
- 122450006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test For?
This test helps identify if you have an active *Candida* bloodstream infection, which can occur after invasive medical procedures, long-term use of antibiotics, or weakened immunity. It’s particularly useful for patients with risk factors like diabetes, cancer, or organ transplants.
When Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained infections despite antibiotic treatment, or if you’re at high risk for invasive fungal infections.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect fungal antigens.
What Do Results Mean?
Positive results suggest an active *Candida* infection, while negative results indicate no detectable fungal antigens in your blood. Results alone don’t confirm the diagnosis—your doctor will consider symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
Reference range
Negative: No detectable Candida IgG antibodies; Positive: Presence of Candida-specific IgG antibodies indicating past or current exposure/infectionN/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida Antigen Blood Test
Frequently asked questions
Why did my doctor order this test?
What does a positive result mean?
How long will it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy